Conserving the countryside

Britain’s farmers are playing a vital role in the resurgence of many threatened species of wildlife. Figures released by the wildlife habitat scheme, WildCare, show that declining species such as brown hares, yellowhammers and even the humble house sparrow are making a dramatic comeback on participating farms.

The figures, which come only two years after the launch of WildCare on 60 Waitrose dairy farms, reveal that many species considered to be in decline on UK farmland have increased. Over the past year, habitat suitable for wildlife has increased by 19% and sightings of birdlife considered to be in decline are up 47%.

Species in decline nationally, but which bucked the trend in 2008, include:
• Spotted flycatcher (still low in numbers but increased by 500%)
• Reed bunting (still low in numbers but increased by 280%)
• Starling (increased 163%)
• House sparrow (increased 130%)
• Yellowhammer (increased 102%)
• Brown hare (increased 45%)

Farmers involved in the scheme leave hedgerow to grow, blossom and fruit and maintain wide field margins where wild flowers provide food and egg-laying areas for butterflies. Other initiatives include the introduction of ponds, ditches, beetle banks, skylark scrapes, barn own boxes, wetland and overwintered stubble.

Tim Oliver, Business Services Manager for WildCare, comments: “We find these figures very encouraging. The scheme has been going for just two years, but we have already seen a significant positive response by species known to be in decline nationally.

“The results show that with some thought and effort, efficient farming businesses and wildlife can share the same space and thrive together. As 70% of all UK land is farmer controlled, conservation schemes like this have the potential to make a real impact on our countryside.”

17.12.08